Team from Belvoir Parish supports mission in India
In July, Revd Jeremy Mould, curate in Belvoir Parish, took a team of 20 young people and adults to Salem, India. The team, which included a doctor and a nurse, went to encourage the work of the Indian Christian Mission Centre (ICMC).
The ICMC supports 800 orphans on 3 sites, providing them with clothing, accommodation, meals and an education up to degree level (if academically capable.)
During their stay in Salem the team spent time with the children at the 3 orphanages, who performed a ‘Bollywood’ style dance for them. They visited St Basil’s school and St Patrick’s church, sang songs, did dramas and some Irish dancing and gave talks.
They met a large community of leprosy victims and also had the privilege of attending the wedding of the youngest son of Pastor Jay (who leads ICMC).
On the practical side, the team spent two whole days painting a large number of murals to brighten the buildings up. They gave out toothbrushes, class by class, and demonstrated how to use them properly. They also held a general medical screening clinic for 600 children which included de–worming them all!
It wasn’t ‘all go’ however. The team shared devotions together every day and also found time for a little shopping. Happily they also fitted in a cooling visit to the local hill station as the temperature was in the mid to high 30s throughout their visit.
View photos of India and other summer 2012 mission trips from around the diocese.
Some comments from members of the team:
The high points of the trip…
“Meeting all the children.”
“Getting the screening going for the children.”
“The dedication of the lady (staff) at Eden Garden.” (small country orphanage)
“Seeing how happy the children are and getting to know Pastor Jay and his family.”
What they have learned…
“That we have it easy, as Christians, in the West.”
“That personal support is very important to them, and as important as financial.”
More personally, is there a
nything God has about spoken to them?
“The joy the children have in the context of their poverty.”
“To think more carefully about the worldwide persecuted church.”
“Continue to have faith and make the effort.”
ICMC is in the process of building a small hospital at the main orphanage complex in the countryside. It is doing this to serve the needs of the children in the orphanage and also to provide free care for the many 1000s’ of poor villagers in the surrounding area. At the moment these villages are Communist or Hindu nationalist dominated and cause a lot of trouble for the orphanage. It is hoped that when they experience love in action through the mission hospital that their hearts will be softened towards the gospel of Christ and the work of the ICMC.
The ICMC needs more help in finishing the hospital. If you would like to get involved please contact Jeremy: Tel: (028) 92647912 Email:
jermould@gmail.com
STOP PRESS! There will be an information evening at Belvoir Parish Family Centre on Friday 21 Sept at 7.30pm for an hour – short slide show, promo dvd, update and light supper.